Bruichladdich 1993 Valinch - Whisky Dream Dram

Bruichladdich 1993 Valinch - Whisky Dream Dram, 15 YO, 52 %

Here is a distillery exclusive from Bruichladdich distillery on Islay. The Bruichladdich 1993 Valinch - Whisky Dream Dram was distilled on 1993-04-29 and bottled in June 2008. It was matured in a bourbon cask, then given a finish for an unspecified period in a Barbaresco wine cask (cask # 574). The total outturn was 450 bottles.

Nose: A rather warm greeting here. Red wine, toasted oak, vanilla custard, black pepper, cinnamon and dried apple slices. Slightly acidic with time.

Taste: Rich and full bodied. Definitely more oaky than expected - and it has something of a sharpness to it. The red wine cask finish definitely dominates - it is earthy, musty and rich in red berries. I also pick up on vanilla and tropical fruits,

Finish: Medium long finish. Other aromas do appear once the red wine wave has settled. A rich fruitiness with pineapple, mango and apple playing the leading roles. Dry in character. Pepper and herbs towards the end.

Comment: Always risky using red wine casks with whisky, but it works fairly well here.

Score 86/100

Thanks for the sample, Robert!

Sláinte!
- Thomas